Alternative Education
Anti-Tobacco Use Program (ATUP)
& Tobacco Education Program (TEP)
All Levels

What is the Anti-Tobacco Use Program?
The Anti -Tobacco Use Program (ATUP) is a multi-level program designed to eliminate tobacco use and possession at school and school-related functions by providing education to students, parents, staff, and community as to the health hazards regarding tobacco use.

How are students referred to the program?
Although students and/or parents of students may request participation in ATUP, students typically enter this program because they have been identified as being in possession of tobacco products on school grounds. The ATUP educational program presents a leveled approach in dealing with tobacco use and/or possession of tobacco products by students. These levels are explained as follows:

Level 1 (1st offense) – The student is given one day of in-school suspension (ISS) and referred to the school nurse for tobacco education information and materials. At this time, the school nurse will explain the health hazards of tobacco use.

Level 2 (2nd offense) – In lieu of five (5) days of out-of-school suspension (OSS), the student can agree to participate in the Tobacco Education Program (TEP), consisting of two 2-hour evening classes conducted by a prevention educator from the City of Virginia Beach Department of Human Services. Parents are required to attend at least one of the classes.

Level 3 (3rd offense) – In lieu of a long-term suspension, the student can agree to attend the 10-day Substance Abuse Intervention Program (SAIP). Upon completion of the program, a student may return to school on probation for one year. Failure to successfully complete the program may result in expulsion from the school system.

Level 4 (4th offense) – The student is referred to the Office of Student Leadership for long-term suspension of up to one year.

How do students re-enter their home school if referred to the level two Tobacco Education Program (TEP) or the level three Substance Abuse Intervention Program (SAIP)?

Level 1 – Home school nurse meets with student. No referral out of the building has occurred.

Level 2 – A copy of the student’s certificate of completion from the Tobacco Education Program (TEP) is sent to the home school for placement in the student’s file for one year.

Level 3 – The home school receives a copy of the re-entry letter and certificate of completion from SAIP. The student is placed on probation for one year. Copies of the letter and certificate are sent to the school’s guidance department, the Office of Student Leadership, and the parent. The SAIP coordinator keeps a copy on file for one year

Level 4 – The Office of Student Leadership may hold suspension in abeyance and send the student to a district alternative center. If the student has demonstrated successful completion of the program and improvement in attendance, academic achievement, and positive behavior, the student may return to his/her home school after the term of the suspension. This permission is given through a recommendation of the alternative school’s principal and the Office of Student Leadership.

What curriculum and services are offered?

Level 1 – Determined by the individual school nurse.

Level 2 – The curriculum is designed to provide students and parents with information that will increase their knowledge of the harmful effects of tobacco smoking. Cessation methods are also discussed.

Level 3 – The curriculum is designed to educate students regarding the impact of tobacco on their lives and to modify their attitude and beliefs toward tobacco use.

What is the referral process?
The principal will contact the parent/guardian of the student and explain the student’s offense and the level of participation (Level 1, 2, or 3) in VBCPS’ tobacco educational program. If indicated, the principal calls the SAIP coordinator to reserve the next available slot in the TEP (Level 2 offense) or the Substance Abuse Intervention Program (Level 3 offense). The principal meets with the parent and student and completes the contract and referral form. The principal sends the signed contract, referral form, and the letter of disposition to the SAIP coordinator. The principal gives a copy of these documents to the parent and retains a copy for the student's file. In the case of a Level 4 offense, the student is referred to the Office of Student Leadership for long-term suspension.

Is transportation provided?
No transportation is provided to the evening session of the Tobacco Education Program for Level 2 offenses. For students referred to SAIP at the Renaissance Academy (Level 3 offense) transportation is provided. In the morning, students ride the neighborhood bus to Renaissance Academy. In the afternoon, students are assigned a bus that takes them to their neighborhood. Students receive bus information following the Monday morning SAIP orientation. Students are not permitted to drive to school during this time.

Are special education students accepted?
Special education students are accepted into the program. The home school provides a copy of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) to ensure that accommodations are implemented while the student is attending the Substance Abuse Intervention Program.

When do students exit the program?
Students exit their assigned programs only after successful completion of each of the specific requirements of the program to which they are assigned.